Toledo Rockets vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Matchup

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ESPN+ will be covering the week four non-conference matchup between the Toledo Rockets and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, set for 7:00 ET on Saturday, September 21st, at Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green. Toledo is 3-0 this season, and the Rockets are -2.5-point favorites on the road. The over/under line is at 59.5 points. Western Kentucky comes into the game with a 2-1 record.

Rockets vs. Hilltoppers Matchup At A Glance

Sport: CFB
Teams: Toledo Rockets at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Where: Bowling Green at Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium
Date: Saturday, September 21st
Betting Odds TOLEDO -2.5, TOLEDO -133 | WKENT +111 O/U 59.5

Rockets Preview:

After pulling off a 41-17 upset on the road against Mississippi State, Toledo improved to 3-0 for the season. The Rockets, who were +10.5 point underdogs, not only won the game but also covered the spread. This victory also marked the first time Toledo has faced a Power 5 opponent this season. The over/under line for the game was 57.5 points, but the teams combined for 58 points.

Toledo took control early, leading 7-0 after the first quarter. The Rockets then exploded in the second quarter, outscoring Mississippi State 21-3 to take a commanding 28-3 lead at halftime. Both teams added a touchdown in the third quarter, and the Rockets managed to hold off a late comeback attempt by Mississippi State in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Rockets Offense Breakdown

Quarterback Tucker Gleason led Toledo's offense to a 41-17 win over Mississippi State, throwing for 285 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 82.1% of his passes and ended the game with a passer rating of 144.79. Junior Vandeross III was his top target, catching seven passes for 73 yards.

The Rockets' offense totaled 454 yards, with 169 yards on the ground. Willie Shaw III led the rushing attack with 62 yards on 16 carries and added a rushing touchdown.

Rockets Team Defense

In their most recent game, Toledo's defense allowed 385 total yards, with most of the damage coming through the air. Mississippi State completed 28 of 39 passes for 319 yards, resulting in two touchdowns. Toledo's secondary did come up with an interception, and the defense was able to limit the Bulldogs to just 66 rushing yards on 27 attempts.

Hilltoppers Preview:

Hilltoppers Offense Breakdown

Western Kentucky's offense was unstoppable in their 49-21 win over Middle Tennessee, racking up 633 total yards and 30 first downs. The Hilltoppers' passing game was especially potent, with Caden Veltkamp completing 90% of his passes for 398 yards and five touchdowns. Kisean Johnson was his top target, hauling in eight receptions for 129 yards and two scores.

On the ground, L.T. Sanders led the team with 54 yards on eight carries, while the team finished with 152 rushing yards and a touchdown. Veltkamp ended the game with a passer rating of 158.33, throwing for a total of 481 yards and six touchdowns.

Hilltoppers Team Defense

Western Kentucky's defense had a tough time against the pass in their last game, giving up 456 yards through the air and 514 total yards. Despite this, they managed to come out on top, with their offense putting up 49 points. The Hilltoppers did force one interception, but they allowed three passing touchdowns. On the ground, Western Kentucky was much more effective, holding Middle Tennessee to just 58 rushing yards on 23 attempts.

Rockets vs Hilltoppers Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last five road games, Toledo has averaged 28 points per game while allowing 19 . The team's record in this stretch was 4-1 while going 4-1 vs. the spread.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have a straight up record of 3-7. But, their mark vs the spread was just 6-4.
Going back to their previous ten games as the favorite, Toledo has an ATS mark of 5-5 while going 9-1 straight up.